Pre-Wedding Prep: What To Expect

There's a lot more to weddings than just the ceremony and reception. In fact, there are a whole host of pre-wedding events and festivities to be celebrated, from engagement parties to cake tastings.

The first of these is the engagement party, which is usually held within three months of the proposal. This is a chance for the couple to celebrate with close family and friends, and for the guests of honour to show off their new sparkly ring. The bridal shower is another female-focused pre-wedding party, where the bride-to-be is showered with gifts and love. This is usually held a few weeks to three months before the wedding and is organised by the bridesmaids.

The bachelorette and bachelor parties are a chance for the bride and groom to let loose before the big day. These can be wild nights out or a more relaxed spa day or outdoor adventure. They usually take place one to two months before the wedding.

The bridesmaids' luncheon is an optional event to thank the bridesmaids for their hard work. It's usually held the day before the wedding. The rehearsal dinner is another important pre-wedding event, giving the couple a chance to rehearse the ceremony and celebrate with their nearest and dearest. This often takes place the night before the wedding.

Engagement party

An engagement party is a pre-wedding celebration held in honour of the couple's upcoming nuptials. It is usually hosted by one of the families, but can also be hosted by other relatives or friends. Sometimes, there are even two engagement parties, one thrown by each side. The party usually takes place about three months after the engagement, with invitations sent out at least a month in advance. The guest list typically includes close family members and friends, but can be larger or smaller depending on the couple's preferences and budget.

The engagement party can be held at a variety of locations, such as the host's home, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, or even a unique venue like a historic home or park. The food and drink options can range from a multi-course seated meal to small bites and bubbly. There may also be a cake or other sweet treats to conclude the meal.

The decorations for the engagement party can be simple or more elaborate, but it is important not to upstage the actual wedding day. Fresh flowers, candles, and simple table settings can be enough to create a festive atmosphere. If the couple wishes to suggest a charity for guests to donate to in lieu of gifts, this can be noted on the invitations.

The couple getting married should wear something special but not too extravagant, as they don't want to outdo their wedding looks. It is also important to consider the other pre-wedding celebrations when budgeting for new outfits. The hosts of the party may also want to dress nicely, but should be careful not to outshine the couple.

Overall, the engagement party is a great opportunity for the couple to gather with loved ones, introduce their families, and celebrate their upcoming marriage. It is a joyful and exciting event that kicks off the wedding festivities.

Bridal shower

A bridal shower is a party thrown in honour of the bride-to-be, usually held a few weeks to a few months before the wedding. It is an opportunity for female family members and friends to gather and celebrate the bride, play games, give advice and gift her essentials for married life.

History

The tradition of the bridal shower dates back to 16th-century Holland. When a young girl's father refused to provide a dowry for a marriage he disapproved of, the town stepped in and offered small gifts to help her set up her new home.

Etiquette

There is no right or wrong way to throw a bridal shower, but there are some general guidelines to follow. The bridal shower should take place before the wedding, and it is up to the host to choose a date that is convenient for the bride and the most important guests. The host will also ask the bride about her preferred themes, guest list, location, activities and more. The guest list should be limited to people who are also invited to the wedding.

Gifts

Guests will often bring gifts for the bride and her future spouse. These are typically items that the couple will need for their new home together, such as dishes, pots and pans, appliances and decor. The bride will usually open her gifts in front of the guests and express her gratitude with a short speech.

Food and Drink

Every memorable bridal shower involves lots of food! Finger food is the norm, but the host can get creative and incorporate the bridal shower theme into the food. For example, a fiesta theme could include gourmet mini tacos, while a beach theme could offer cupcakes with starfish or mermaid designs. Drinks on offer might include the bride's favourites.

Games and Activities

Games are a great way to break the ice when guests arrive, especially if they don't know each other. Games can be traditional, such as bingo, or more creative, like guessing what the bride's wedding dress will look like. Other activities could include a spa day or a calligraphy lesson.

Host

Traditionally, the bridal shower was hosted by the maid of honour and bridesmaids, but nowadays anyone close to the bride can host, including the bride's mother.

Bachelor/Bachelorette party

The bachelor and bachelorette parties are a chance for the bride and groom to let loose and celebrate with their closest friends before the wedding. Traditionally, these parties were wild nights out, but today they tend to reflect the guest of honour's personality and can range from spa visits to cooking classes, outdoor adventures, or a night of bar-hopping and clubbing.

These parties usually take place one to four months before the wedding, but they can also be held a month or two before. It's best to avoid scheduling them for the week before the wedding, as the couple will likely have a lot of last-minute preparations to take care of.

The bachelor and bachelorette parties are typically planned by the maid of honour and the best man, respectively. The guest list includes the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other close friends or relatives of a similar age to the couple.

• Create friendly competition with a sports showdown or a series of Olympic-style relay games.
• Rent a party bus or van and turn the trip into a road trip adventure, with the final destination being a city known for its nightlife, like Vegas or New Orleans.
• Visit an amusement park and enjoy the rides, games, and fried food.
• Attend a music festival together and dance the night away.
• Charter a yacht or boat for a day on the water, or rent a pool and host a pool party.
• Host a backyard barbecue with yard games and a customised menu.
• Go wine, beer, or spirit tasting at a local winery, brewery, or distillery.

Rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a traditional pre-wedding ceremony in the United States, usually held after the wedding rehearsal and the night before the wedding ceremony. It is a great opportunity for the relatives and friends of the bride and groom to meet and socialise. The couple can also use this occasion to thank everyone who has helped with the wedding preparations.

The guest list for the rehearsal dinner may include immediate family members and the wedding party, or it could be a larger event with the entire guest list. The dinner is usually hosted by the groom's family, but modern traditions allow for either the bride's or the groom's family to host, or even the couple themselves. The dress code is less formal than the wedding itself.

The rehearsal dinner is a more relaxed event than the wedding, and it is common for there to be speeches and toasts. It is a good opportunity for close relatives and friends to give a speech if there isn't time during the reception. The dinner can be themed, and it is traditional to serve the groom's cake, although other desserts can also be served. Gifts can also be exchanged at the dinner, although this is not necessary.

The rehearsal dinner is usually the final celebration before the wedding and is a great way to kick off the wedding celebrations and bring together close friends and family.

Wedding dress shopping

Start your search early: Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect dress. Most bridal boutiques recommend starting your search at least six months before your wedding date. This will allow enough time for shipping, alterations, and any other necessary preparations.

Determine your budget: Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Before you start shopping, decide on a budget that you are comfortable with. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you don't fall in love with a dress that is out of your price range.

Consider your style and theme: Think about the style and theme of your wedding and choose a dress that complements it. Are you going for a classic, elegant look, or something more modern and unconventional? Do you want a traditional white dress, or are you open to coloured or printed options?

Research different options: There are many places to find wedding dresses, including bridal boutiques, department stores, and online retailers. Look at reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently been married. Some popular options include David's Bridal, BHLDN, and Etsy.

Make appointments: Once you've found a few potential boutiques or salons, schedule appointments to try on dresses. Most places will require an appointment, and it's important to give yourself enough time to try on different styles and find the perfect fit.

Bring the right people: When you go dress shopping, bring along a few trusted friends or family members whose opinions you value. It's helpful to have a second opinion, and it can make the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

Be open-minded: Try on a variety of styles, even if you think you know exactly what you want. You might be surprised by what looks good on you. Work with the consultants at the boutique to find dresses that flatter your figure and match your vision.

Consider customisation and alterations: Many bridal boutiques offer customisation options or in-house alterations to ensure your dress fits you perfectly. Discuss any changes you want to make and get an estimate of the cost and time required.

Read the fine print: When purchasing your dress, be sure to read the fine print and understand the store's policies on returns, exchanges, and alterations. Know your rights as a consumer and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Enjoy the experience: Wedding dress shopping should be a fun and memorable part of your wedding planning journey. Try to relax and savour the moment, even if it can feel stressful at times.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to embark on the exciting journey of finding your dream wedding dress!

Frequently asked questions